ZOOL22752

TERRESTRIAL ECOLOGY LABORATORY

Field study in a terrestrial ecosystem

S.V.Ravindi Diwyanjalee
BS/2019/207
Ms.Imanthi

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 Content
➢ Objectives 03

➢ Introduction 03

➢ Materials and method 05

➢ Results 10

➢ Discussion 21

➢ Conclusion 22

➢ References 23

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Objectives :

➢ To explain the structure and functioning of the ecosystem.

➢ To explain the variation of physico- chemical parameters in the forest ecosystem.
➢ To identify fauna and flora in the area using keys, and explain their adaptations and
interactions with each other.
➢ To demonstrate knowledge on the methods that are used to study a terrestrial forest
ecosystem.

Introduction :

Stratification is the process of vertical distribution of different species occupying different levels.
In this process trees occupy the top layer, shrubs arranged in the second layer, herbs and grasses
occupy the bottom most layers. The height range is the main characteristic of the actual layer.

Forest ecosystem consists of both biotic and abiotic factors. Different types of flora and fauna are
found in a single forest ecosystem. As different types of species are found in it so they must be
arranged in the proper manner.

Stratification is the process of arrangement of species in their habitat so that uses of resources
can be maintained by reducing competition between different organisms. Bottom layer is
occupied by herb and grasses, the second layer is occupied by shrubs and the third one by small
trees and the last one by canopy.

Layers of stratification are also called strata. In tropical rain forest there is dense vegetation so
various levels are formed for the better survival of organisms. Flora is arranged in ground flora
level. It is also called a forest floor that includes root and moss layers. The forest canopy has a
complex structure that is significant for environmental intersections, regeneration, growth and
biotic habitat.

Top most layer of a tree layer includes trees of height about 5 meters and it comprises top
stratum. It is the highest layer of vegetation in forest. There are some trees which are below the

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canopy and above the shrub layer called understory. Root layer includes the rhizosphere while
the moss layer includes microorganisms.

Vertical stratification is a widespread phenomenon in plant and animal communities in forests

and a key factor for structuring their species richness and biodiversity, particularly in tropical
forests. It is determined largely by the life forms of plants their size, branching and leaves which
influenced by the vertical gradient of light

Figure 01 - Map of the forest ecosystem

The survey was carried out in 2 sites.

Site 01 : 60 58’27.0”N 790 54’52.8” E

Site 02 : N 06°58.442’ E 079°54.849’

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Materials and methods :

1)Measurement of physico - chemical parameters

(i)Temperature

Temperature was measured by using mercury glass thermometer at the ground level and
at 2m height

Figure 02 - mercury glass thermometer

(ii)Soil temperature

Soil temperature was measured by using a soil thermometer.

Figure 03 – Soil thermometer

(iii)Humidity

Humidity was measured by using a hygrometer at 3 different times

Figure 04 – Hygrometer
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(iv)Wind speed

Wind speed was measured by using wind meter between 10.00 a.m. – 11.00 a.m. and
between 11.00 a.m. 11.30 a.m.

Figure 05 – Windmeter

(v) Light intensity

Light intensity was measured by using a lux-meter at a well- light and a shady place

Figure 06 – Lux-meter

(vi) Soil pH

Soil pH was measured by using a soil pH meter between 10.00 a.m. 11.00 a.m. and
Between 10.00 a.m. 11.00 a.m.

Figure 07 – Soil pH meter 6

(vii) Location

GPS meter was used to get the location of 2 sites.

Figure 08 – GPS meter

2)Biological properties of the field

i)Fauna recorded in the study area

Birds were observed and identified in the area to the nearest possible taxonomic category
by using binocular and fixed radius point count method/ transect method to count them.

(ii) Flying insects

Flying insects were collected by using pooter or a hand net and were identified the
nearest possible taxonomic category using keys.

Figure 09 – Butterfly net & sweep net that used to collect flying insects
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(iii) Animals in the foliage

The animals sitting on leaves, tree trunks, flowers, fruits etc. were observed and
identified them to the nearest possible taxonomic category using keys. The beating tray method
was employed to collect these animals, and determine their abundance.

Figure 10 – Beating tray method

(iv) Ants

They were collected using baits such as sugar syrup or honey. Baits were employed in the
study area and were collected animals. They were identified to the nearest possible taxonomic
category using keys.

Figure 11 – Honey bait method

(v) Animals crawling on the ground

A pitfall trap was employed to collect these animals. They were Identified to the nearest
possible taxonomic category using keys.

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 Figure 12 – Pitfall trap method

(vi) Soil animals

Soil animals were collected by dry sieving (five 20 x 20 x 5 cm samples from the study
area), and were identified them to the nearest possible taxonomic category using keys.

Figure 13 – Dry sieving method

(vi) Flora in study area

The stratification of the tree canopy of the area were observed (emergent layer, canopy
layer, understory, shrub layer and the forest floor) A list of trees were made that constitute each
stratum in the forest. The epiphytes, lianas etc. were observed in the forest. The morphological
adaptations in plants/ trees were studied for the life in the forest.

The height of dominant tall tree species in study area was estimated. A known distance was
measured between the tree and a student. The angle between the student eye and the tip of the
tree was measured using a inclinometer. It was done 2 times using two students.

Tan θ = height of the tree / distance between tree and observer

Real height of the tree = Calculated height of the tree + height of the student

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Terminalia catappa with Monstera species Thumbergia erecta climbing plant and its flower

Tree cannot be identified due to vines

(Monstera species are creeper plant species & cover the tree)

Figure 14 – Flora in the site 01 & site 02

Results:

Physico-chemical parameters

1.Temperature
Temperature (0C)
Place
Site 1 Site 2

Soil 25.7°C 27.3°C

Ground level 29°C 29.8°C

2 m above ground 31°C 30°C

Table 01 - Temperature

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 Temperature Vs place
35

30

25

20

15

10

0
Soil Ground level 2m above ground

Site 1 Site 2

Graph 01 – Variation of Temperature at Soil, Ground level, 2m above ground

2. Humidity

Site Time of measurement Humidity (%)

1 At 9.58 a.m. 62%

At 10.11 a.m. 70%
At 11.00 a.m. 69%
2 At 10.00 a.m. 46%

At 10.30 a.m. 39%

Table 02 – Humidity

3.Wind speed

Site Time of measurement Wind speed (km/h)

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 1 Between 10.00 a.m. 11.00 a.m. 0.4
0.9
2.0
Average – 1.1
Between 11.00 a.m. 11.30 a.m. 2.1
3.2
4.6
Average – 3.3
2 Between 10.00 a.m. 11.00 a.m. 6.4
5.7
8.6
Average – 6.9
Between 11.00 a.m. 11.30 a.m. 7.8
6.1
9.8
Average – 7.9
Table 03 – Wind speed

4.Light intensity

Light intensity (Lux)

Place
Site 1 Site 2

Well-light 107.2 1120

102.7 1560
101.2 1080
Average – 103.7 Average - 1253
Shady 10.8 5.3
10.7 6.3
11.7 7.2

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 Average – 11.1 Average- 6.3
Table 04 – Light intensity

5.Soil pH
Site Time of measurement Soil pH
1 Between 10.00 a.m. 11.00 a.m. 7.35
7.16
7.48
Average – 7.33
2 Between 10.00 a.m. 11.00 a.m. 4.96
5.37
5.44
Average – 5.26

Table 05 – Soil pH

Flora and fauna

1. Birds (Point count – Time duration:15 min)

Site 1 Site 2
Species Abunda Pi ln pi Pi ln Species Abunda Pi ln pi Pi ln
nce pi nce pi
White – 02 0.051 -2.97 -0.151 The 01 0.091 -2.39 -0.22
throated Black-
Kingfisher hooded
Oriole
Green 01 0.026 -3.65 -0.095
imperial-
pigeon

Spotted Dove 01 0.026 -3.65 -0.095 Shikra 01 0.091 -2.39 -0.22

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 Asian Koel 01 0.026 -3.65 -0.095

Shikra 02 0.051 -2.97 -0.151 White – 01 0.091 -2.39 -0.22

throated
Kingfisher
Common 01 0.026 -3.65 -0.095
Myna

House Crow 01 0.026 -3.65 -0.095 Crimson- 01 0.091 -2.39 -0.22

backed
flame
White-rumped 02 0.051 -2.97 -0.151
back
Munia
Black –hooded 02 0.051 -2.97 -0.151 The 01 0.091 -2.39 -0.22
Oriole yellow-
billed
babbler
Long –billed 02 0.051 -2.97 -0.151
Sunbird

White –bellied 01 0.026 -3.65 -0.095 Pigeon 06 0.545 -0.61 -0.33

Dragon

Yellow –billed 12 0.308 -1.18 -0.363

Babbler

Red –vented 02 0.051 -2.97 -0.151

Bulbul

Brown – 02 0.051 -2.97 -0.151

headed Barbet

Feral Pigeon 05 0.128 -2.06 -0.264

Brahminy Kite 02 0.051 -2.97 -0.151

Σpi lnpi -2.405 Σpi lnpi -1.43

Table 06 – Birds recorded by point count method

In point count method in site 01,

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 Number of birds per unit time = Abundance / time = 39/ 15 min = 2.6 min -1
Shannon diversity ( H ) = -Σpi lnpi = -( -2.405 ) = 2.405
Pi = proportion of species in population
H max = ln S = ln 16 = 2.77
S = No of species
Evenness = H / H max = 2.405 / 2.77 = 0.87.

In point count method in site 02,

Number of birds per unit time = Abundance / time = 11/ 15 min = 0.73 min -1
Shannon diversity ( H ) = -Σpi lnpi = -( -1.43 ) = 1.43
Pi = proportion of species in population
H max = ln S = ln 6 = 1.79
S = No of species
Evenness = H / H max = 1.43 / 1.79 = 0.79

2.Flying insects

Site 1 Site 2
Common fruit fly Torpedo bug
Butterfly sp. German cockroach
Spalgis sp.
Mosquitoes sp.
Ypthima huebneri (butterfly sp.)
Damselfly sp. Rufous grasshopper
Dragonfly sp. Handsome trig
Stingless bee
Common fruit fly
White backed planthopper
Round headed borer/Longhorn beetles

Table 07 – Observed flying insects

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 3.Animals in the foliage (Beating tray)

Site 1 Site 2
Species Abundance Pi ln Pi Pi ln Species Abundance Pi ln Pi Pi ln
Pi Pi
Spider 01 0.143 -1.945 -0.278 Dimiya 07 0.25 -1.386 -0.347
Green color 01 0.143 -1.945 -0.278 Gecko 01 0.036 -3.324 -0.119
bug Bug sp. 1 02 0.071 -2.645 -0.188
Ant species 03 0.429 -0.846 -0.363 Red ants 07 0.25 -1.386 -0.347
1 Spider sp. 1 02 0.071 -3.324 -0.119
Jumping 01 0.143 -1.945 -0.278 Spider sp. 2 02 0.071 -3.324 -0.119
spider sp.1 Black ant 04 0.143 -1.945 -0.278
Jumping (Kadiya)
spider sp.2 01 0.143 -1.945 -0.278 Spider sp. 3 01 0.036 -3.324 -0.119
Spider sp. 4 01 0.036 -3.324 -0.119
Bug sp. 2 01 0.036 -3.324 -0.119

Σpi lnpi
-1.475 Σpi lnpi -1.874

Table 08 – Collected animals in the foliage by beating tray method

Figure 15 – Gasteracantha geminate

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In site 01,

Shannon diversity ( H ) = -Σpi lnpi = -( -1.475 ) = 1.475

Pi = proportion of species in population
H max = ln S = ln 5 = 1.609
S = No of species
Evenness = H / H max = 1.475/ 1.609 = 0.917

In site 02,

Shannon diversity ( H ) = -Σpi lnpi = -( -1.874 ) = 1.874

Pi = proportion of species in population
H max = ln S = ln 10 = 2.302
S = No of species
Evenness = H / H max = 1.874 / 2.302 = 0.814

4.Ants (honey bait)

Site 1 Site 2
Red ants -20 Red ants -04
Large black ants -04
Small black ants -15

Table 09 - Collected ants by honey bait method

5.Animals crawling on the ground (Pitfall trap)

Site 1 Site 2

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 Bug- 01 Red ants -02
Plant hopper -01 Black ants- 02
Nymphal stage -01

Table 10 - Collected animals crawling on the ground by pitfall trap

6.Soil animals (Dry sieving)

Site 01

Diameter of Species name No of

sieve species

250µm Beetle larva 01

Red ants 21
500µm
Ant species I 01
Ant species I 01

1mm Ant species II 07

White bug 01
Bug species I 01

2mm Black ant 01

Earth worm 01
4mm Ant species II 02
Table 11 – Observed soil animals by dry sieving method in site 01

Site 02

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Diameter of sieve Species name No of species
250 µm Laval stage insect species I 03
Tiny warm species I 01
500 µm Ant species I 02
Red ant 01
1 mm Red ant 04
Black ant 01
Bug 01
2 mm Beetle 01
Black ant 03
Spider 01
4 mm Black ant 01
Earth warm 01
Table 12 – Observed soil animals by dry sieving method in site 02

7.Flora in the

Site 01

Forest floor Shrub layer Understory Canopy layer Emergent layer

Grass Colocasia Temple tree Mangifera Jack

Mimosa pudica Hibiscus indica Cocos nucifera
Veronia cinerea (Monara Curry leaf tree (Mango) (Coconut)
Kudumbiya) Mara tree Terminalia
Adenanthera catappa
(Madatiya) (Kottamba)

Table 13 – Flore in site 01

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 Site 02

Forest floor Shrub layer Understory Canopy layer Emergent layer

Grass Colocasia Borassus Azadirachta Ficus sp.
Chrysopogon Nephrolepis flabeuifonnis indica Terminalia
aciculatus (Thuththiri) Macaranga (Thal or (Kohomba) catappa
peltata (Kenda) Palmyra Palm) Mara tree (Kottamba)
Veronia cinerea Curry leaf tree May tree Cocos nucifera
(Monara Kudumbiya) Pneumatopteris Spondias dulcis Leucaena Areca catechu
Desmodium triflorum pennigera (Gully (Ambarella) leucocephala (Puwak)
(Undupiyaliya) fern) (Ipil Ipil) Artocarpus
Alternanthera ficoidea Ebony heterophyllus
spleenwort (Jack)
Mangifera
indica (Mango)
Alstonia
macrophylla
(Hard Alstonia
Tree /Ginikuru)
Table 14– Flore in site 02

8.Height of dominant trees (Inclinometer / Name 3 tree species)

Site 1 Site 2
Species Height Species Height
Royal farm 7.55 m Jack 28.47 m
Mara 27.62m

Table 15 – Height of dominant trees in site 1 & site 2 20

Discussion :

When considering the temperature we were measured both soil temperature & air temperature.
For Soil temperature we were used soil thermometer and for air temperature we were used
mercury glass thermometer.

In site 2 soil temperature was higher than the site 1. When considering air temperature in
ground level site 2 has higher temperature than the site 1, In 2m above ground site 1 has higher
temperature than the site 2. It can be vary according to the vegetation. The highest temperature
was recorded at 2m above ground at site 01 air temperature.

When considering the humidity in the forest ecosystem, in site 1 we were got 3 readings at 3
different times but in site 2 we were got 2 readings at 2 different times. The highest humidity was
recorded at 10.11 a.m. in site 01. It was 70%. Humidity depends on the temperature and the
pressure of the system.

When considering wind speed site 2 has the highest wind speed than the site 1. The highest wind
speed was recorded at site 2 between 11.00 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. and it was 7.9 km/h. Normally
local weather conditions, pressure gradients, Time of the day, terrain, are the factors that affect
for the wind speed. Wind speed tends to be higher during the daytime compared to night. During
the daytime earth surface is heated by the sun causing warm air to rise and cool air to move into
replace it. This creates convective air currents, which can result in higher wind speeds.

Light intensity was measured by using lux-meter. Light intensity was recorded both light and
shady conditions.The unit of the light intensity is lux. It has 3 parameters ( 200,2000,20000 ). All
the values light condition of site 01 were lower than site 02 because site 01 was little shady with
the surrounding vegetation than site 02. All the values in shady area of site 01 were higher than
the site 02.

Soil pH was measured by using a soil pH meter. Site 1 has the higher soil pH than the site 2 and
it was 9.48 was recorded between 10.00 a.m. to 11.00 a.m. Acidity of site 2 is more higher than
the site 1. It depends on geology, rainfall, temperature, vegetation cover, and human activities.

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In flora and fauna of the forest ecosystem, we was observed birds by point count method.
According to the results more bird species were recorded in site 1 than the site 2. When
comparing the Shannon diversity index site 01 Shannon diversity index is higher than the site 02.
Evenness is also higher in the site 01 than the site 02.

We used hand net to collect flying insects. There are more insects could be collected from site 2
than site 01. As well as we collected animals in the foliage by beating tray method. This also
more species were recorded from the site 2 than the site 01. When comparing the Shannon
diversity index in beating prey method for animals in the foliage it is higher in site 02 than the
site 01. Evenness is higher in site 01 than the site 02.

We used honey bait method to collect ants from the forest ecosystem. In this method more
species were collected from site 01 than the site 02. Animals that crawling on the ground were
collected from the pitfall trap method. In this method more species were collected from site 01
than site 02, but when considering the number of the animals most number of animals were
recorded from site 02 but only 3 numbers were recorded from site 01.

To collect the soil animals we used dry sieving method and we could collect lots of species from
both sites. More species could be seen in site 02 than the site 01. But, more number of animals
could be seen from site 01.

When considering the flora of the forest ecosystem, there could be seen stratification in the
forest, many layers could be seen. Forest layer, shrub layer, understory, Canopy layer and
emergent layer are the layers that could be seen in forest ecosystem. In site 01 less number of
species were recorded in shrub layer. In site 02 less number of species were recorded in
understory and high number of species were recorded in emergent layer. We also measured the
height of dominant trees in forest ecosystem by using inclinometer. In site 01 royal farm was the
dominant tree and it’s height was 7.55 m. In site 02 jack and the mara were the dominant trees
and 8.47m was the height of the jack tree and 7.62m was the height of the mara tree.

Conclusion :

➢ The air temperature at ground level of the forest vary from 29 0C to 29.8 0C

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 ➢ The air temperature at 2m above ground of the forest vary from 30 0C to 31 0C
➢ The soil temperature of the forest vary from 25.7 0C to 27.3 0C
➢ Humidity vary from 39% to 70%
➢ Wind speed vary from 1.1 Km/h to 7.9 Km/h
➢ Soil pH vary from 5.26 to 9.48
➢ Forest ecosystem has high fauna and flora diversity
➢ Shannon diversity index is higher in site 01 than the site 02
➢ Forest vegetation mainly consist of several layers ( stratification ) – Forest floor,
Shrub layer, Understory, Canopy layer, Emergent layer
➢ Birds, flying insects, Animals in the foliage, Ants, Animals crawling on the
ground, Soil animals live in the forest ecosystem.
➢ Animals and plants have several adaptations to live in the forest ecosystem.

References :

https://www.biologydiscussion.com/ecology/stratification-of-typical-forest-and-lentic-
water-ecology/59834

https://www.google.com/search?q=forest+ecosystem+stratification&ei=UJchZI3VCseGj
uMP2c6j6Ak&ved=0ahUKEwiNvez4mPz9AhVHg2MGHVnnCJ0Q4dUDCA8&uact=5&oq=for
est+ecosystem+stratification&gs_lcp=Cgxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAQAzIGCAAQFhAeMggIABCK
BRCGAzIICAAQigUQhgMyCAgAEIoFEIYDMggIABCKBRCGAzoKCAAQRxDWBBCwAz
oKCAAQigUQsAMQQzoHCAAQigUQQzoFCAAQgAQ6CAgAEBYQHhAPSgQIQRgAUN0
FWL4yYIc3aAFwAXgBgAHDBogB2zCSAQsyLTUuMy4zLjMuMZgBAKABAcgBCsABAQ
&sclient=gws-wiz-serp

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 https://www.google.com/search?lei=g5ghZLzRLaKx4EPt8etkAY&q=point%20count%2
0method%20pdf&ved=2ahUKEwj8nsGLmvz9AhWi2DgGHbdjC2IQsKwBKAB6BAhYEAE&b
iw=1536&bih=722&dpr=1.25

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/inclinometer#:~:text=An%20inclinom
eter%20measures%20the%20angle,reference%20to%20a%20catenary%20equation.

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